The name “A.M.O.R.C.” was very deliberately chosen in 1915 in New York by Harvey Spencer Lewis as the authentic successor organization to the historic Rosicrucians. The term has multiple layers of meaning. At this point, I can only limit myself to a few of them, as they have become clear to me.
To revive its former radiance and vital role as a mystical-philosophical center of learning, particularly for our time, it is worthwhile to examine the full Latin form of the name more closely and reflect upon it:
“Antiquus Mysticusque Ordo Rosae Crucis”
What is the true meaning of these words beyond a mere literal translation from Latin into English?
Upon deeper reflection, one discovers that not only the ancient past, “Antiquus,” but also its function as a mystical-philosophical temple of learning (Mysticusque), as well as a spiritual community/brotherhood (Ordo), and the content of the initiatory teaching—the meaning of the “Rosae Crucis”—lie hidden behind it.
Today I would like to focus solely on the meaning of the words “Antiquus Mysticusque Ordo.”
The three words “Antiquus Mysticusque Ordo” can be traced back to the ancient mystery temples, as they once existed as places of learning and schools of wisdom in Egypt, and as they influenced and shaped the entire Greek philosophy and, with it, Western spirituality.
It has been proven that one of the most important currents that have enriched Western spirituality originated in Egypt through the philosophers Pythagoras, Plato, and others. There, during their long stays in the mystery temples, they received their initiations and acquired universal teachings.
Plato’s original name was “Aristocles.” After his initiation into the Aton cult, he changed it upon his return to Athens to “Pl-Aton”—Platon.
The Jewish Kabbalistic tradition also has Egyptian roots.
It is written: “Moses (an Egyptian name) was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, both in word and deed.” (Acts 7:22)
Both the major spiritual currents of Europe (Rosicrucians, Theosophists, Alchemists, Manichaeans, Anthroposophists) and the religions that originated in the Middle East share ancient common roots.
Unfortunately, these are largely misunderstood, forgotten, or denied today.
A renewed reflection on and rediscovery of these shared spiritual roots, which connect all people and cultures, is of crucial importance for both the physical and the spiritual and psychological survival of humanity.
Once again, A.M.O.R.C. is called upon to unite all the forces of those on the spiritual path and—under guidance from the spiritual world—to dedicate itself to this important task.
